University of North Carolina Athletics
Gymnastics Spotlight of the Week: Christine Robella
January 31, 2007 | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 31, 2007
1) How did you get started in gymnastics?
I have always been a very active kid. When I was three years old I started swimming for my neighborhood swim club. I had so much energy so my parents put me into gymnastics. My dad had been a gymnast, and I loved trying new things so they figured it would probably be a match.
2) What is your favorite and least favorite event? And why?
My favorite event has always been floor exercise because you get to put your personality into the event. Vault has always been my least favorite. I don't really know why I didn't like it when I was younger in club gymnastics. I used to be a pretty good vaulter. However, now I don't like it because I can't do the tricks I used to be able to when I was younger!
3) What has been your proudest gymnastics moment in your collegiate career?
I would say becoming an All-America on floor and making 51 out of 51 routines. I look back and still don't know how that happened!
4) Of all your teammates, past and present, who have you learned the
most from? And why?
I can't name just one person. Each person, in their own way, teaches me something.
5) What is the hardest part about gymnastics?
It is very physically and mentally tiring. You can be in great physical shape but that does not mean you are in gymnastics shape. They are two totally different things. Also, with the sport comes many injuries and other problems. But even with all that, gymnastics is special. It is a sport that not everyone can learn.
6) What is the best advice you have ever received?
I have received a lot of good advice. But if I narrowed the question down to say what is the best advice I have received in regards to competing, I would say it is to control your distractions.
7) Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
I used to be very superstitious but each year I get better. I usually like to wear the same type of hair things but even that is getting better. Last year, I would have the same person tie my ribbon in my hair but again I have changed that too.
8) Since this is your last year competing in college, what do you
think you will miss the most?
I will miss the competitiveness of the sport. I will miss being with the team and traveling in the vans. As stupid as that sounds, l feel like when we travel we all get to know each other better. We are always so goofy and dumb but that's what I love about it.
9) Who is your sports hero? And why?
Gosh, I don't know. I don't really have one. I always respect people who work very hard. For example, Rachel Schneider and Claire Smith, two of my teammates, work so hard in practice that to me they are my sports heroes. They are always going above and beyond.
10) What are your post-graduation plans?
That has yet to be determined. I am still deciding whether I want to pursue a career in sports or advertising or somehow combine the two.
Players Mentioned
